The Delaney Arena will get a facelift over the hockey offseason this summer.
The City of Thunder Bay announced $2 million is being invested to repair and reinforce the iconic barn. The renovations will improve accessibility, energy efficiency and capacity among other upgrades.
Delaney Arena will celebrate its 50th birthday next year.
“It’s very obvious when you walk in here, this is 1967 vintage,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “[These facilities] have done their job very, very well. They’ve generated decades of enjoyment and camaraderie within this community. And with an investment like this, they will do that over again for the next 50 to 60 years with a little bit of tender love and care.”
Thursday’s funding announcement doubled as an opportunity for city officials to reminisce about growing up on the Delaney Arena ice.
“I looked into the dressing room where I celebrated winning one of our championships when I think I was around 12,” said Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland. “This isn’t just a sheet of ice, it can be the heartbeat of a community.”
More specifically, there will be improvements to the boards, rink surface, heating and cooling systems and added accessibility features.
“The bottom line is this place has made tens of thousands of people of all ages healthy and happy,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “The people who maintain this place, I give them full credit for knowing what to ask for and getting what they asked for.”
George Pirie says he expects the renovations to be complete by the next hockey season.
